City: Haridwar State: Uttaranchal Location: North India Year of Construction: 1929 AD Constructed By: Suchat Singh Type of Construction: Medieval Type of Building: Temple Dedicated To: Goddess Durga Religion: Hinduism Festival: Navratras On a Neel Parvat in Haridwar, Chandi Devi temple is located where pilgrims either climb for about 45 mins up the steep hill to reach the temple premises.
It is one of the well known pilgrimages where devotees flock to seek the blessings of the Goddesses who is believed to fulfill the wishes. The image of the Goddess in the Chandi Devi Temple is said to be installed by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century A.D. Chandi Devi temple is one of the most ancient temples of north India. According to Hindu mythology the ancient kingdom of Lord Indra was captured by two demons called Shumbh and Nishumbh who had thrown the Gods from the heaven.
Prayers of the gods were heard Chandika Devi, a powerful Goddess was formed from the cells of Goddess Parvathi. She was a beautiful and dynamic Goddess and demon King Shumbh wished to marry her. She refused and the king sent Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were killed by Kalika devi. She was born out of Chandika Devi's anger. When their efforts failed the Demon kings themselves tried to kill Chandika Devi but were in turn slain by the Goddess. Battle won Chandika Devi rested for a short while at Neel Parvat. To keep the Goddess among the mortals and welcome her back again the Chandi Devi temple was built.